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Leupold VX3 vx VX III

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Category: Scopes
Forum Name: Rifle Scopes
Forum Description: Centerfire long gun scopes
URL: http://www.opticstalk.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=18568
Printed Date: March/29/2024 at 04:10
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Topic: Leupold VX3 vx VX III
Posted By: muleymaddness
Subject: Leupold VX3 vx VX III
Date Posted: August/06/2009 at 23:05

Anyone compared these two scopes.  Supposedly the VX3 is new and redesigned from the VX III.  I have the VX III and was just wondering about the VX3 and if it's worth the upgrade.

Thanks!




Replies:
Posted By: Horsemany
Date Posted: August/07/2009 at 06:13
Not worth changing IMO.  My initial in-store comparison left me having to keep looking at the outside of each to distinguish the two.  I'm sure they made the improvements but I will not be swapping any VXIII's for VX3's.  Kind of a minor gripe but I don't like the BRIGHT gold band now used on the VX3's.


Posted By: 308WIN
Date Posted: August/07/2009 at 06:39
Having owned both in the 3.5-10x40 model, I compared them side by side in various conditions. I couldn't see a big difference. I think the differences are cosmetic & internal (dual erector springs, blackened lens edges, etc). While these may make a better overall scope, I do not think they make it light years ahead optically. I was hoping they would have etched reticles but nope


Posted By: tjtjwdad
Date Posted: August/07/2009 at 23:04
Actually, I was under the impression from the folks from Leupold at the Portland Sportsman Show earlier this year that the reticles are etched (one reason why they cost so much).   As previously mentioned, I hope the gold band doesn't get any wider.  On a large scope it's OK, haven't seen it on a smaller one.
 
Jim


Posted By: Oldtrader3
Date Posted: August/08/2009 at 00:32
Leupold is supposedly "refraction index matching" (their terminology) all of their lenses in any scope model designated VX or above.  This along with the "Diamond Coating" process is supposed to yield better refraction and light control properties in the VX-3 than in the earlier (pre 2009) VX scopes.  The biggest difference that most users seem to notice has been the difference in light transmission between the VX-III and new VX-3.  The wider band has always been used to designate Leupold's premium branded products.

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CDR3


Posted By: koshkin
Date Posted: August/08/2009 at 04:14
Originally posted by Oldtrader3 Oldtrader3 wrote:

Leupold is supposedly "refraction index matching" (their terminology) all of their lenses in any scope model designated VX or above.  This along with the "Diamond Coating" process is supposed to yield better refraction and light control properties in the VX-3 than in the earlier (pre 2009) VX scopes.  The biggest difference that most users seem to notice has been the difference in light transmission between the VX-III and new VX-3.  The wider band has always been used to designate Leupold's premium branded products.

The whole "index matching" is just marketing BS.  Coatings are matched to refractive indices of the glass they are deposited on by definition.  Same for different glass sued in a scope.

The only thing new about the whole "index matching" hoopla is that someone in Leupold's marketing department thought it was a good way to make snappy advertisement.

"Better refraction" is another thing that Leupold marketing guys seem to spout with reasonable frquency.  It is completely nonsensical.  Refraction is a property of the material.  There is no such thing as better or worse refraction.

My distaste for Leupold's marketing practices aside, VX-3 is a good scope.  I doubt there is much difference in light transmission between VX-III and VX-3, and if there was any, you woud never know the difference since it is not very important.  What VX-3 does offer is better contrast than VX-III which makes for a snappier image and better low light performance.

ILya


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http://www.darklordofoptics.com - www.darklordofoptics.com
https://rumble.com/c/DLO - Rumble Video Channel


Posted By: koshkin
Date Posted: August/08/2009 at 04:16
Originally posted by 308WIN 308WIN wrote:

Having owned both in the 3.5-10x40 model, I compared them side by side in various conditions. I couldn't see a big difference. I think the differences are cosmetic & internal (dual erector springs, blackened lens edges, etc). While these may make a better overall scope, I do not think they make it light years ahead optically. I was hoping they would have etched reticles but nope

VX-3 is definitely not light years ahead of VX-III, but it is better to the point where I think it has caught up with most of its competition.

ILya


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http://www.darklordofoptics.com - www.darklordofoptics.com
https://rumble.com/c/DLO - Rumble Video Channel


Posted By: Sparky
Date Posted: August/08/2009 at 10:09
Thanks to this forum I know to check optics with outside light.  So Koshkin what is it about indoor light that seems to equalize most scopes?

I think I should have started a new post, so I will.


Posted By: Oldtrader3
Date Posted: August/08/2009 at 12:55
Ilya, thanks for the clarification.  It is hard sometimes to separate the real bull from the chaff with hyperbole from those mirthful, white shoed, marketing types.  This is why I said "supposed" improvement.  I can, athough not being an optics engineer, one can sometimes smell the "bull" when I read/hear it!
 
Better contrast as you said is a worthwhile improvement.  I guess that the "Diamond" coat must contribute to that attribute improvement.  Too bad that Leupold can't just say that and cut the bull about refraction!
 
The next point of confusion by the boys in white shoes will probably be "wavefront analysis".  That term should confuse just about everyone!


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CDR3


Posted By: Outrider
Date Posted: February/03/2011 at 23:22
I have conducted several low light tests comparing the same variable VX-3 and  VX-III.  While there may be some minor technical differences my untrained eyes do not detect, I cannot determine any difference in the two in terms of seeing deer at last light. The reticle fades on both at the same time.

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Outrider


Posted By: seawolf
Date Posted: February/04/2011 at 03:50
Gentlemen, can I pop in with a quick question?
I have an old Vari X III, 2,5-8x36 with "4 reticle that just plain refuse to die!
It has seen use on my bigger rifles with among other tings two trips to South Africa, and live today as a back up scope in my gun cabinet.
 
I understand that this is the oldest model, and wonder just what difference there is compared to the newer VX line?


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Seawolf


Posted By: 8shots
Date Posted: February/04/2011 at 05:45
Originally posted by seawolf seawolf wrote:

Gentlemen, can I pop in with a quick question?
I have an old Vari X III, 2,5-8x36 with "4 reticle that just plain refuse to die!
It has seen use on my bigger rifles with among other tings two trips to South Africa, and live today as a back up scope in my gun cabinet.
 
I understand that this is the oldest model, and wonder just what difference there is compared to the newer VX line?
 
The biggest difference is your VX 111 has done some real hunting in South Africa. Must be a keeper !!!Excellent



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